Best Places For Trekking in Southeast Asia

When you think about Southeast Asian destinations, tropical sunshine, soft white beaches, and azure waters are the first things that come to your mind. But this eclectic collection of Asian countries is more than just sun, sea, and sand. Most of the destinations are also home to colossal peaks, low valleys, meadows, and tea plantations draped in verdant hues. These green spaces on rugged terrains are quite popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature-lovers for treks amid wilderness.

If you are up for some inclined workouts amid a cool mountain breeze and stunning natural scenery, then trekking in Southeast Asia is a good fit for you. We have compiled a list of the best treks to explore on your Asian sojourn. Check them out!

The Virachey National Park, Cambodia

Set in north-east Cambodia, Virachey National Park, known as one of the 55 ASEAN Heritage Parks in the world, lures hikers with rich foliage, tree canopy covers, and a mildly challenging trek. It also appeals to birdwatchers, as the wilderness has an abundance of bird species, right from Great Hornbills and the Black-capped Kingfisher to rare birds like the Red-headed Vulture. Taking a three-day trip is recommended, but if you are an expert hiker, then go for the seven-day hike from Phnom Veal Thom to Montane Grassland.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore

As a destination known for its love for nature and embedding it within the growing cosmopolitan city, it would hardly come as a surprise that you can go trekking in the island-state nation. This speck of land on the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula may seem small, but within it lies a treasure trove of experiences, nature-trek adventures included. Singapore’s residents love to walk, hence it has plenty of nature trails, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is one among them that deserves a spot on Singapore tour packages for adventure enthusiasts. With well-defined paths fitted with fences and steps, and marked with clear signposts to aid hikers, it's one of the easiest treks to enjoy in Asia in under two hours. As it is a short, easily accessible hike to the peak, even kids can join in on this nature expedition.

Sapa, Vietnam

Vietnam is in the spotlight for many backpackers for its natural beauty and affordability. While many just limit themselves to Hanoi tour packages, the explorers love to spend days trekking farther into the verdant, rice-terraced trails and green woodlands in Sapa. Sapa sits amid the foggy Hoang Lien Son Mountains in northern Vietnam. Being spectacularly cooler than the rest of Vietnam, Sapa envelopes you in the freshness of green foliage everywhere you look. Sapa is a beautiful place shrouded in terraced rice fields and jagged mountains against a clear blue sky, a place where you should pause and enjoy the landscape for a while. Trekking through these beautiful nature trails is easy, and you can do it with or without a guide.

Mount Batur, Indonesia

A trek means connecting to nature, but how about in an extraordinary way that makes you wonder about the surreal natural creation that you witness in awe? One such experience is when you take the sunrise trekking in Bali, Indonesia. For this, Mount Batur, located to the north-west of Mount Agung, is the perfect spot to challenge yourself and be rewarded with a sunrise view unlike any you have witnessed. Many people do not understand the craze behind adding sunrise treks to Bali packages. Why would one want to wake up at 2 am and then ascend an active volcanic mountain in darkness on a leisure holiday? Ask the trekkers who have experienced this adventure, and they will concur that it is one of the best treks they have ever witnessed. The climb from the base of the mountain to the top is around six kilometres and is moderately difficult, but the sunrise and the way the golden light hits the mountains are so mesmerising that you finally understand the worth of waking up in the wee hours of the morning for a two-hour trek.

Mount Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Malaysia’s rainforest mountains have nature trails that surpass most trekking expeditions in Southeast Asia. Teeming with a beautiful ecosystem, trekkers arrive with a deep sense of affection towards the pristine nature and a commitment to scale the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Standing spectacularly magnificent at 4095 metres, dominating the scenery on the west coast of Sabah, trekking to the summit of this mountain gives you the right to declare that you've conquered the highest mountain in Malaysia. The trekking route is fairly easy and doable for beginners as the route is a well-trodden path without any challenging steep sections, making it easier to hike. You can even choose to end your trek at Low’s Peak Summit, but if you are an extreme trek adventurer, the complete three days of trekking and camping in Laban Rata, enjoying the raw wilderness and epic vistas, is for you.

Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

Thailand is yet another Asian destination known for its verdant, thick jungles and mountain landscapes. Chiang Mai, in particular, is a must-visit destination in northern Thailand and is home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, which earned it the nickname – ‘The Roof of Thailand.’ The sprawling mountain is tucked within the Doi Inthanon National Park, a lush and dense woodland teeming with cascades, clear pools, and a myriad of wildlife and bird species. Early-morning treks are the best way to enjoy the crisp, cool mountain air and refreshing panoramas that rejuvenate your soul. The hike ranges from mild to challenging, depending on the trails you choose. Check out the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail or the Ang Ka Nature Trail to experience the surreal feel of standing above clouds, shrouded in mists. For easier treks, the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail is an ideal choice.

Conclusion

Trekking is perhaps the easiest adventure to turn to for a newbie adventurer. All you need is to simply walk long trails winding up mountains. Plus, you don’t need special gear, unless you plan to tackle a difficult trek. Healthy stamina, lungs, and legs are good enough for a climb. A nice set of hiking boots that fit snugly and provide adequate support will ensure a pleasant and comfortable ascent to the top. South Asian destinations have a plethora of trekking trails for you to explore, ranging from mildly difficult to quite challenging hikes. But then, with a bit of endurance, determination, and persistence, the view from the top waits for you as a reward.

So, the next time you are visiting the above-mentioned destinations on a holiday and you love a good wandering in the solace of nature, include one of these treks in your holiday. Don’t wait up! The mountains are calling you for your much-awaited escapade!